06/15/2026
By now you've heard about how aggressive ticks are this year. While it's common practice to check your dog after walks in the woods or romps through long grass, these days you should give them (and yourself!) a once-over after any outside time.
To safely remove a tick, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool to grip it as close to your dog's skin as possible. Pull straight up with steady pressure to avoid leaving mouthparts behind. Never twist, squeeze the body, or use petroleum jelly.
If you find a tick attached to your dog, follow these simple steps. When in doubt, call your veterinarian!
1. Prep the Area - Put on disposable gloves and gently part your dog’s fur around the tick so you have a clear view of the skin.
2. Grasp the Tick - Place your fine-tipped tweezers or tick hook directly against the dog's skin, clamping onto the tick’s head or mouthparts. Avoid squeezing the tick's swollen body, as this can force infectious fluids back into your dog.
3. Pull Straight Up - Pull straight upward with slow, steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off in the skin.
4. Dispose of the Tick - Drop the tick into a sealed container or a jar of rubbing alcohol to kill it. Never crush a tick with your bare fingers.
5. Disinfect and Monitor - Clean the bite site and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. If parts of the tick get stuck in your dog's skin, talk to your vet!
